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Police: Abduction story fabricated

By Howard B. Owens

A 14-year-old girl who earlier today reportedly told Batavia School Superintendent Margaret Puzio that she had been abducted as she walked to school, made the whole thing up.

Batavia Police just announced that based on an extensive investigation, including assistance from the Child Advocacy Center and the Batavia City School District, they have concluded the girl fabricated the abduction story in order to alter facts regarding her whereabouts.

The investigation continues regarding the girl's actual whereabouts and her activities during that time.

Previously:

Liz Fuchs

I can't believe this.. Our youth is that diluted??? That twisted?? she is sending the parents of this town in a whirlwind craze about the safety of our children and our schools because she didn't want to tell mommy and daddy she was skipping class? This makes me stomach turn.. I'm thankful she is safe. I'm thankful there is not some madman snatching up little girls in my own home town.... But this really turns my stomach.

May 17, 2010, 8:40pm Permalink
patricia armstrong

it's a bad situation and this child did the wrong thing, but we have all made mistakes.i just wonder why the bad guy had to be black in her story...Just glad she is safe!

May 17, 2010, 8:46pm Permalink
Bernie Thompson

Liz,
I totally agree with you.
The outcome of this story was no surprise to me what so ever.
Howard you sure were on top of the entire situation,another Great Job!

May 17, 2010, 8:51pm Permalink
Sarah Christopher

Yes, we have all made mistakes, but I highly doubt they involved falsifying a police report, wasting the time/resources of the school and police department, and sending an entire community into a panic. I hope this child receives the consequences that she deserves. Maybe she should be made to call and apologize to all of the people on the call list that were terrified for the safety of their children today...but I suppose that would be unfair.

May 17, 2010, 8:54pm Permalink
Autumn Connolly

What a terrible excuse to use to ditch school. How at 14 don't you understand the seriousness of these accusations. I think she needs to be charged for filing a false claim like this. She scared people and wasted the police's time to skip school. The next time something like this happens for real that person might not be believed becuase of this girls' actions. Shame on her.

May 17, 2010, 8:55pm Permalink
Emily Andrews

So I received the call this afternoon with hardly any information on what was going on besides a child was abducted from the district. I read this and see that a girl just wanted to skip school and knew she was doing wrong so she makes up a story and pins the whole thing on a black guy 20-30?? Are you kidding me? Has anyone have any idea how many people in the area fit this description? This is unfair for the ones targeted in this situation, the school district, the ones who helped in the investigation and most of all the parents who have children who go to these schools. Even though she is 14, I believe the law should be held to the highest in this matter. There are thousands of children who are really abducted on the way to school each day, in a way this is a slap in the face to them and the ones who love them.

May 17, 2010, 9:14pm Permalink
Barbara A Nigro

Just another sad example of how badly the younger generations place no value on their lives and the harm they can do to the lives of others. We need to teach our children to be more accountable and that starts in the home by the parents being an example of what accountabilty is. Maybe the older generations weren't so wrong when there was more discipline in the house. I yearn for "days gone by" when we were held responsible for what we had done, Right or Wrong...........What have we done to our children?

May 17, 2010, 9:20pm Permalink
Liz Fuchs

This reminds me of the movie (i believe the name is) Rose wood... set "back in the day" when lynching was an acceptable punishment for an accused person of color. A white women whom was committing adultry was dumped by her white boyfriend after he beat her. She runs out of the house screaming she was beat and raped by a black man ( knowing she had to come up with something to explain the bruises to her husband)The entire population of black men in that town were wiped out..... Guess we should be thankful those not so far back "back in the days" are not today... my stomach still hurts..

May 17, 2010, 10:52pm Permalink
Autumn Connolly

It is sad that the girl chose to use a "black male" as her abductor. But do we even know if this girl is Black,White or Hispanic to even consider racism in this case? I bet each race would give different answers.(blame it on society)
When someone says a black male it is to most a generalization(dark skin,dark eyes,dark hair) but if they chose a white man you would have to give more details like hair color and eye color.
Liz you are right, thank god it isn't like it use to be because there would have been trouble. Just pray that when your boys are older that they won't have to put up with racisim like this. It isn't fair but it unfortunately happens because of ignorant people like this 14 year old.

May 17, 2010, 11:31pm Permalink
Ronald Konieczny

My goodness!! We have a quarry full of rock being tossed at this child. How about if we attempt to get to the root of the situation and see what caused this serious behavior in this girls life.

The girl had off from school all weekend. Did she have home work to do? Was she helped with it if she attempted to do it at all? Does she understand the advantages of learning in school? The weekend was reasonably well weather wise. How did she spend that beautiful Sunday? Did she attend church? Were mom and dad with her to enjoy the day? Do mom and dad live together? When was the last time she got a big hug and "I love you" from anyone. Did mom wake her up on Monday morning or was she left for herself? Was she treated to words of praise and a nice breakfast with a loving send off to school? This girl is alone. This girl is alone, not only physically but emotionally as well. Something tells that she really needed someone to lean on, so she chose a lady that she could trust and look up to Margaret Puzio. "Good for you young lady, that took courage."

I think this teenager is lost in her teen years. She's wandering around in a thick forest, alone, deprived and without direction. She needs family, friends, a good church with teenage activities to keep her busy and at the same time to remind her that God loves her unconditionally. Even though she has her teachers to help her, she obviously does not have the ability or encouragement to focus on life's positive future. Good teachers teach well but cannot provide you with a super brain. You have to cultivate your own educational successes.

Most of all we have much assistance within our county to give this girl a new beginning at life. She should definitely be given the opportunity to have sessions with a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. The needs or lack of needs in her home life must be examined. How much love, praise and understanding is this girl surrounded with. And by the way, how are her grades in school?

This misunderstood teenager needs to be, "LOVED AND HUGGED AND SEE LIFE AS A REWARDING EXPERIENCE."

I care about you young lady and will pray for you as I know that others will. God will never leave you, don't leave Him and dont't ever give up on yourself. You and you alone determine life's destiny; its negative and positive values.

"God Bless You."

May 18, 2010, 12:28am Permalink
Ronald Konieczny

Holy smokes Autumn Connolly. I cannot believe that you called this little girl an "ignorant girl." Yes, you are correct not to perceive an iota of racism in this case. BUT!!! You have exemplified "BIGOTRY" to its fullest. Shame on you to the fullest.

May 18, 2010, 12:43am Permalink
Ronald Konieczny

Emily Andrews; How far would you like the law to go if this child was yours. I can just hear your comments. "This is just a big misunderstanding." "These cruel people are making a montain out of a mole hill." "Just drop it please." "I am so embarrased." "Please go away."

Does this shoe fit, or would you prefere to cast the first stone.

HE is watching over you and listening. "With the same measure ye will be judged."

May 18, 2010, 12:55am Permalink
C D

Ronald,

Regardless of Howard's policy on this site regarding personal attacks, you're about a post away from having your religion shoved back down your throat.

I'm not one to knock anyone's beliefs or religion. If you could keep it to yourself, it would be greatly appreciated. It's a general rule of thumb in real life and on the internet.

Kindest regards.

May 18, 2010, 1:00am Permalink
Ronald Konieczny

Barb Nigro; You've got it. It starts in the home. Everything starts in the home, beginning with love and respect for each other. Parents to children and children to parents. And not just on holidays either. Kuddos to you Barb. Yes, "what have we done to our children?"

May 18, 2010, 1:02am Permalink
Ronald Konieczny

Chris Olin; Would you stand befor the throne of God and tell him what should go down a throat? Get a life. Remember the First Ammendment and the First Commandment. Besides this, you should be in bed at this time of the night. "Good night."

May 18, 2010, 2:23am Permalink
Bernie Thompson

First let me say if any of you had taking my posting as being negative or racist,I'm sorry that was not my intent.
I guess what I as trying to say was pretty much what Emily posted,as to how many people in this area fit her description and the story was fishy right from the beginning.

May 18, 2010, 4:30am Permalink
John Roach

Racism probably had nothing to do with her story and did anyone consider the girl might (just might) have been Black?

And many cases like this, the girl was with a boy friend and homework had nothing to do with it.

Better question is why Superintendent Puzio waited 4 hours to alert the parents/guardians.

May 18, 2010, 6:56am Permalink
Karen Miconi

Barb is right. Everything starts with accountability, not only for our youth, but parents. It starts at home. Just like the girls, and boys who bully, shun, and make fun of others in school. This is a learned behavior. Yes, learned, and allowed by their parents(in my opinion). Middle School will be interesting, as I plan to take a stand against bullies, and their condoneing parents. Life is hard enough for kids today. I plan on protecting my girl from this cruelty.
Thank God this girl is safe, but where was she? over on State St.? or in someones home or apartment? With an adult? other kids? I would be relentless, if I were her mother, and get the real story. Im sure theres more to this story, than meets the eye. If she was indeed skipping with an adult, then the police need to make an arrest. I believe Mrs. Puzio waited to inform parents, because of what happened last time with the bank robbery in Elba. She's damned if she does, and damned if she doesn't. Either way someone will find fault with her decision. unreal

May 18, 2010, 8:02am Permalink
holly carney

WOW! How about we take the time to think about what happened, and realize that this is an oppertunity to remind our beautiful children of the reality in life and the dangers. This child has opened our eyes and made us think about how much we teach our children about the unsafe situations they can put themselves in. Thank God this was not true, but children and adults have to make mistakes to learn from them. Good luck on your journey in life younge lady. I hope you have learned a good lesson. We all have!!! Holly Carney (Konieczny)

May 18, 2010, 8:03am Permalink

Ronald,

I am a Christian. I also grew up in a bad situation. Very bad. God sent me Earth Bound Angels when I needed them most and I am a better person for it.

That said. Even at my lowest, I never would have fabricated a story like this. If you call people being upset with her actions judgement, I disagree. I do not know the whole story, so I will neither condone, nor condemn. It is not my place to regardless.

I will say this though. I am a parent of a small child in the BCSD and at roughly 10 to 2pm yesterday I recieved a call that a child was abducted. I had no idea if that was my child or not. I further had no idea if the accused perp. was still in my area. That is a horrible feeling for any parent.

God teaches me to dislike the sin, not the sinner. That my friend, is what I am doing right now. Asking questions of if she was loved is fair, but not relevent to the actions. Each one of us was given freewill by our maker to use and choose as we wish. Do not allow pious words to degredate these parents' anger.

Forgiveness is a goal for us all, but it is not our place as Christians to force forgiveness. It is our jobs to be forgiving. Lead by Living.

God Bless.

May 18, 2010, 8:47am Permalink
jodi puccio

Give me a break! obviously u do not have a young child,obviously you were not terrified to let your son or daughter out the door to go play this afternoon with their friends.Well i was terrified!! This girl needs to be punished and maybe starting with the phone calls to the parents on the list that was mentioned in an above article would be a great start. This girl is 14 for god's sake not 7. Dont tell me cause she has to get herself off to school in the morning she does not know the seriousness of her LIE!Amber Alerts are for children that have gone missing and legitamate situations! SHAME ON THIS LIAR AND HOPEFULLY SHE GETS PUNISHED SEVERLY!!!

May 18, 2010, 9:01am Permalink
Richard Gahagan

Why are we talking about religion, get over it god is pretend just like the easter bunny, santa clause, and humpty dumpty. They made it up just like the other fairy tales. God had nothing to do with this situation and isn't going to help this kid. Can't believe that people have to interject god into every situation. Look humans evolved from ape-like ancestors over billions of years, whether they did so by Darwin's proposed mechanism or by some other yet to be discovered. God, jesus, angels, alah, budda, fairies, trolls, nor daffy duck had anything to do with anything.

May 18, 2010, 9:33am Permalink
Dave Olsen

Richard; would you rather live your life as if God is real and find out you were wrong, or live your life as if there is no God and find out you were wrong?

May 18, 2010, 9:59am Permalink
Richard Gahagan

I would rather live life now and enjoy it as much as I can as opposed to believing in some make believe after life place in the sky, must be gettin kinda crowded up there by now.

May 18, 2010, 12:04pm Permalink
Karen Miconi

Rick, come on, you believe in GOD, as does your family. Stop this nonscence or Im tellin your sister. LOL Just saying brother. What you said above is Bad Karma for you(the balls thing). Lets get back to the subject. What would you do if your daughter pulled this? What do you think should be done about it? Just your logical, adult opinion.

May 18, 2010, 10:38am Permalink
Liz Fuchs

And if she was black? How does it make it any different to being racist? she could have continued her lie that she didn't see the guy well.. he had a mask ect ect ect.. She chose a specific race to pin this on. White, hispanic, asian or black i would still call it racism! And what if this girl had a good home? With loving parents that still lived together? What would be your excuss for her then? Stop making excuses for her! What she did was down right disgraceful! I've lied before to get myself out of trouble as a child, i've even lied to get my sisters into trouble. But it never involved the police, a physical exam, nor did it stir up an entire town of terrified parents.. So yes i will be the one to cast the first stone. She needs to be charged. What ever reasoning behind it, she broke the law and it affected and entire town! Had my own child done it i would be saying the same thing. The punishment should fit the crime, and her crime affected more than just her!

May 18, 2010, 11:35am Permalink
Sarah Christopher

This line of posts is the perfect example of why kids are the way they are. Everyone is giving excuses for the girl...bad home life, lack of religion etc...which may all be true, but the fact is she did something terribly wrong and should face the consequences. If kids new there were consequences and not a bunch excuses, maybe they wouldn't do things like this.

May 18, 2010, 12:07pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

Liz: "The punishment should fit the crime, and her crime affected more than just her!" I agree, however charging a 14 year old and getting her a record over this doesn't fit the crime, in my opinion. She needs to be made aware of the seriousness of what she did. First, the police, school and her parents need to find out what is going on with her. Does she have some kind of personality problem, is she involved in something bad (alcohol, drugs, affair with an adult) or she just a brat. I have no idea. After that has been addressed, then they can determine what punishment is appropriate and there has to be something. I like the idea of calling all the parents and apologizing, I'm betting that'll keep this from happening again either with her or anyone else. I'm glad she is safe and there isn't someone in Batavia kidnapping children. BTW, I and my wife raised 2 daughters and a son (Now 24,22 and 19) and teens are insane.

May 18, 2010, 12:10pm Permalink
Lori Silvernail

This girl does need to know how much her story ultimately affected others. I feel badly for the parents who got notification about the "abduction" and were worried needlessly.

Since we don't know this child's background or her reason for making this up, it's hard to know how she should be dealt with.

I might suggest a number of weekends sitting beside the hotline folks and finding out what real trauma and despair are. It can be done without a lot of unnecessary fanfare and she will still learn a valuable lesson. She is probably dealing with enough embarassment right now because I'm sure the other children have already figured out who she is.

May 18, 2010, 12:17pm Permalink
Gabor Deutsch

I totally agree with Dave Olsen. I am just surprised that there is a 14 year old in Batavia that does not have a cell phone. I have seen many younger kids with one and the parents explain that they need to have an expensive phone to protect them from the many unsavory characters that loom in Batavia, especially since they let them wander around town at all hours with out supervision.

May 18, 2010, 12:26pm Permalink
Gabor Deutsch

Since you brought up music I thought I would add this as my last comment. Howard said "Drop the religion". But true "rock-n-roll" was made to touch your soul.

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May 18, 2010, 1:40pm Permalink
bud prevost

Liz Fuchs posted on April 1,2010: "You know nothing of the circumstances. Nothing of his reasoning. And i don't blame you. You don't know him, in order to see the other side of the story, you would have to see him, for him."
This was in reference to a story about a man convicted multiple times of various crimes.

Nice how you were right by the side of a grown person who has consistently and repeatedly made mistakes, yet you want to crucify a 14 year old child for an enormous mistake. If she realizes the gravity of what she has done, then we can hope she will live a straight and arrow life. It's too late for your friend.

May 18, 2010, 2:22pm Permalink
Liz Fuchs

Yes i stuck and still stick by the side of a man who was convicted wrongfully of a crime.. I also agree with the time he served previously for the crimes he did commit. Because this child is only 14 make it any less of an offense that she did in fact break the law? She knowing and obviously lied, involved the police, and an entire town. Mr Wilson's story has never changed. He did not lie. And was convicted entirely on his history. You seem so quick to make excuses of a hard life for a 14 yr old.. Where was this conviction when a person was sentence to 15 yrs in prison for borrowing a car from a friend. how is she to realize the gravity when everyone makes excuses for her! The circumstances i told you that you knew nothing about were based on his other offenses.. which had you included my entire comment would have gone on to say he should have served that time. I hold him no less responsible for the crimes he did commit.. And i would hope others feel the same.. You break the law. You pay the price.

May 18, 2010, 2:31pm Permalink
Autumn Connolly

Dear Ronald get over yourself.She isn't a little girl. She is plenty old enough to know right from wrong and if you choose to lie and place blame on people that didn't even exist I feel that is ignorant. Bigotry? please. You don't know anything about me to say that.Yeah she might have had a bad home life and what not but in the end you are responsible for your own actions. I came from a home of violence and drugs but I knew at 14 what was right and wrong. She would be a brave girl if she did seek help for what ever personal problem she is/was having but she choose to make up allegations of abduction to cover what ever she was really hiding. That isn't really seeking help but more causing trouble. I remember being 14 and you would be surprised to see how they think. Most are self centered only caring about what they want not what they need. At 14 it is about parents not understanding, wanting to be with friends, Defying your parents and school. Maybe drugs are involved? What ever the reason the bottom line is she broke the law. What makes her above the law from anyone else. Because she is a sad teen? Please. Do you know how many people could get out of trouble for trying that excuse. I think this should teach kids that lying doesn't get you any were.

May 18, 2010, 10:36pm Permalink
Lianne Gahagan White

Rick,
Seriously cut the crap! REALLY? If you have the balls to speak your mind in writing then have the balls to use the name that you have ALWAYS GONE BY (Rick Gahagan) instead of hiding behind dad's name! Since when are you RICHARAD get the hell out of here! STOP IT! I read the things that you have written and it is obnoxious! It is not funny at all! JUST STOP! It is embarrassing, I mean atleast if you are going to do it use your real name!
Love your sister!
Lianne!

May 24, 2010, 8:54pm Permalink
Lianne Gahagan White

Not upset, dont get me wrong...... my BIG BROTHER is my favorite! LOVE him, he just gets a carried away and I have to put him, in line!

May 24, 2010, 9:32pm Permalink
Lorie Cook

LOL, don't we all. I have to admit...his comments do make me chuckle. Come on Rick, cut your sis a break. But I am still LOL @ one of your comments from today. I won't admit which one because I do not want your sister mad @ me!!!

May 24, 2010, 9:45pm Permalink
Lorie Cook

LOL, sure put me on the spot. It is about the kids traveling to oregon. He told the dog to get smart and run away from them. I agree...that poor dog...

May 24, 2010, 9:48pm Permalink
CELESTINE ROTT

Well i see my comment was deleted. I do not believe in god or any of the rhetoric there in. RESPONSIBILITY TO THE RESPONSIBLE!! Plain and simple that is what it boils down to. I was raised Catholic and always felt suffocated upon entering a church. I did my share of naughty sinful things. Never did I cause a wave of panic throughout the community.My kids are raised without religion and not any huge nonsense at all!! The girl is conniving enough to cover her ass with a lie like that, then punishment should be rendered.Your god has no part in this..why does everything have to include religion?? I think therefore I am an Atheist! Punish the girl.

Jul 8, 2010, 11:54am Permalink
CELESTINE ROTT

Good for you!! Id love to get a Free Thinking group going around here. Religion is a terrible mind numbing barrage of nonsense. If you,d like to get involved gimme a shout!!

Jul 8, 2010, 12:00pm Permalink

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